Hidden Program

Hidden Program

"Master, Supervisor Jixin from Lixin Security Company is waiting at the door and would like to see you!" David was practicing the Eighteen Forms of Body Technique in the Underground Gym when he heard the familiar, pleasant voice of Emma, his Smart Butler, coming from his Identity Bracelet.

During his downtime over the past few days, he had used his Electronic Warfare skills to reinforce the security system in his residence.

Now that he had genuine Electronic Warfare capabilities, he could see how full of holes the residence's security system was. No wonder the female mercenary had breached it so easily that day.

At first, David hadn't wanted to meet with Supervisor Jixin. He no longer needed the security company to rebuild his system, but he considered the compensation Lixin Security Company might offer and decided to see him after all.

In the residence's hall, Supervisor Jixin shifted his portly body uneasily. The soft, high-end sofa did little to put him at ease.

He glanced at the pretty secretary seated beside him. If he couldn't win over the owner of this house, he might lose his position as supervisor—and the lovely secretary would belong to someone else.

After Emma had shown them in, Master David had taken a long time to appear, making Supervisor Jixin even more uneasy.

David hadn't meant to keep him waiting. Out of courtesy, he'd first showered off the sweat from practicing the Eighteen Forms of Body Technique. He hadn't expected the delay to cause Supervisor Jixin to misunderstand.

Supervisor Jixin surveyed the residence, estimating its value. Although he knew its owner was connected to someone with the title of National Scholar, any compensation would still have to be based on the property's worth.

But the fruit juice he and his secretary had been served was enough to show how wealthy the owner was.

Panshi Planet had almost no agricultural resources, so most people could only afford synthetic food. A glass of natural fruit juice like the one in his hand might not look like much, but it showed that the residence had its own sizable fruit and vegetable cultivation area.

Panshi Planet was threatened by the Zerg, and every city had a thick Barrier Belt underground, built from steel and materials the Zerg detested. The inner layers were also lined with numerous sensors to prevent Zerg from sneaking into the city.

The Barrier Belt restricted the size of the underground space, making the underground resources of Peilan City extremely valuable. Underground property was even more expensive than property on the surface, because there was so little of it.

"Mr. David, I'm Jixin, the business supervisor at Lixin Security Company!" When he saw David, Supervisor Jixin sprang up from the sofa and introduced himself with a smile.

The secretary also gave him her most beautiful smile. Supervisor Jixin had brought her along to help ease the tension.

"Hello, Supervisor Jixin!" David replied with a smile and a nod. He gestured for Jixin to sit down and talk.

David's maturity impressed Supervisor Jixin, especially since he wasn't distracted by the secretary's smile. Kids David's age were usually full of youthful energy.

"Mr. David, on behalf of Lixin Security Company, I'd like to express our sincere apologies for the losses this incident caused you," Supervisor Jixin said, stating the company's position first.

"I accept your apology, Supervisor Jixin. How do you plan to handle this?" David wasn't interested in the other man's pleasantries. He didn't have time to sit around chatting with him; he just wanted to settle the matter quickly.

"Mr. David, Lixin Security Company will replace your system with the highest-grade security system at no charge. We'll also cover all the losses you suffered in this incident and pay you an additional two hundred thousand Credit Points. How does that sound?" Supervisor Jixin hadn't expected David to be so direct, so he laid out the offer he'd prepared in advance.

"That works for me." David stood, extended his hand, and nodded.

Supervisor Jixin froze. Weren't they supposed to negotiate these things? Why had David agreed so quickly, leaving all the arguments he'd prepared useless?

Besides, the compensation was far below the number of Credit Points he'd initially been prepared to offer. That wasn't a good thing, because it could make others think Lixin Security Company had taken advantage of the child of someone with the title of National Scholar.

But they'd already reached an agreement, and he couldn't bring himself to raise the offer now. He could only stand and shake David's hand.

"Mr. David, please grant me access so I can upgrade your security system," Supervisor Jixin requested, ready to begin the work.

David didn't mention that he'd reinforced the security system himself, since that would be difficult to explain. Instead, he granted access and let Supervisor Jixin connect to the residence's security network.

Supervisor Jixin quickly worked on the equipment he'd brought with him, beginning the upgrade and replacement of the residence's security system.

The job took no more than five minutes.

"Mr. David, the software for your security system has been upgraded to the highest grade. Our technicians will come by within three business days to install the corresponding hardware. If you're satisfied, we can sign the settlement agreement," Supervisor Jixin said with a smile.

David said nothing more and signed electronically with his Identity Bracelet. The smile on Supervisor Jixin's face grew wider.

After seeing Supervisor Jixin out, David looked troubled. Just now, as Jixin had upgraded and replaced the security system, David's original system had sent him an alert.

The security system he'd reinforced wasn't as comprehensive as Lixin Security Company's, but it was more advanced in terms of security.

At the end of the day, this was only a civilian-grade security system. Even the most advanced version had its limits.

After David had granted access, Supervisor Jixin's actions had continued to trigger alerts. That could only mean the security software he'd uploaded contained a program that shouldn't have been there.

David took out the K2 Military Electronic Warfare Device, connected it to the security system, and began searching.

He soon found a hidden access program. If activated, it would automatically shut down every security device in his residence, allowing outsiders to walk right in.

Once again, David realized that whoever was targeting him had far-reaching influence. The mercenary attack had been an accident, but that person had seized the opportunity to modify his security system, leaving his residence defenseless.

If David hadn't gained Electronic Warfare capabilities and installed his own security program first, he might never have known. He wouldn't have even realized what had killed him.

David modified the hidden access program so that, if triggered, it would immediately send a message to his Identity Bracelet. He would decide whether to activate the access himself.

He had no intention of going to Lixin Security Company. That enemy had revealed themself, which wasn't frightening. What frightened him was not knowing who the enemy was or how much power they had.

He thought of the War Hammer Mastery Knowledge Light Orb, the Sniping Knowledge Light Orb, and his Body Technique, which was at 99% beginner level. Given some time, his strength would grow explosively. Then he wouldn't have to keep reacting so helplessly.

Supervisor Jixin sat in his car after leaving David's residence, his expression grave. He didn't look at all relieved to have resolved the company's problem.

He typed a message on his Identity Bracelet: "Task complete!"

"Darling, I want to eat natural vegetables!" the secretary said softly.

"Sure. I'll take you out for a feast!" Supervisor Jixin said with a smile, waving his hand.

Before the New Year, Lixin Security Company came to install additional security surveillance equipment. It was all designed to work with the highest-grade security software.

David inspected each of the surveillance devices himself and found no more backdoors or hidden programs.

Apparently, his enemies weren't interested in his private life. They just wanted to make it easier to get to him.

The days passed, and by December 31, no one had activated the hidden access program.

David figured the other side was probably waiting for the previous incident to die down before trying to deal with him again.

It was in this atmosphere that the government's New Year's reception arrived.

Thank you, "Yuchen Xiaoke'ai," for the 100 Qidian Coins! Thank you, "Draco Yueyu," for the 500 Qidian Coins! Thank you, "That Time, the Moon Was Bright, That Time, Love Was Deep," for the 1,000 Qidian Coins! Thank you, "Azure Melancholy Himself," for the 100 Qidian Coins! Thank you, "Diaomin Mohai Zhen," for the 200 Qidian Coins!